<p>hnmom, oh, I wish I could get my kid to skype - he just doesn’t want to. Maybe Japan will be different. </p>
<p>On another note, just cuz mom’s been wondering. When bringing gifts to give in Japan, does one wrap them? Or could he just pack some gift bags and put things in little gift bags when he’s going somewhere that he needs to bring gifts?</p>
<p>couple of points:</p>
<p>1) If he has an iPhone 3G, it may work in Japan with the company softbank - have him check their website for more info. Issue may be becoming a subscriber for such a short period - but they do offer the iPhone.</p>
<p>2) He should always wrap the presents - gift bags don’t count.</p>
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<p>Also, do not put a business card someone gives you in your back pocket! </p>
<p>Even though no one would expect him to know all local customs, it would be very bad form to show up without a gift for your host families. House gifts are a nice gesture everywhere, including here! They don’t have to be expensive.</p>
<p>Given your son’s tall, thin frame, I would not recommend LL Bean or other “mainstream” American brands. They tend to be cut rather loose and baggy. It will be hard to find his size in discount stores, but everyone is having a sale these days. Look for slim fits. Also, in addition to a couple of suits, I would recommend a couple of pairs of casual but nice pants, like khakis but not the pre-washed, pre-distressed kind.</p>
<p>Also, plenty of new socks! Remind him that whenever he is invited into a private home (and some public places as well), he will be expected to take off his shoes, so he will not want to be wearing hole-y or dirty (or smelly!) socks.</p>